National military news



PACIFIC OCEAN (March 17, 2018) The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), front, the Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Wayne E. Meyer (DDG 108) and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force helicopter destroyer JS Ise (DDH 182) participate in a bilateral exercise. The Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group is operating in the western Pacific as part of a regularly scheduled deployment. U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Dylan M. Kinee.

Carl Vinson completes bilateral exercise with Japan
3/24/2018
From Carl Vinson Strike Group Public Affairs
PACIFIC OCEAN (NNS) -- The Carl Vinson Strike Group completed a bilateral exercise in the Western Pacific with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF), March 23.
Aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) and destroyer USS Wayne E. Meyer (DDG 108) conducted combined operations with Japanese helicopter destroyer JS Ise (DDH 182) in the South China Sea and waters near Okinawa, Japan. The operations began March 11 and included a series of training drills and Sailor-to-Sailor exchanges designed to enhance maritime interoperability between longstanding allies.
"I thought it was really cool to have this opportunity," said Information Systems Technician 2nd Class Jeremiah Karelius, a communications watch officer aboard Carl Vinson. Karelius hosted a communications operator from Ise during a four-hour exchange visit on the aircraft carrier.
"We talked about the similarities in our jobs and what made them different," he said. "Working together now makes it easier to understand how our systems are structured so that we can troubleshoot if we encounter problems while working together again."
Japanese and U.S. Sailors also conducted anti-submarine and air-defense exercises as well as training drills for multinational command and control functions. The three vessels also steamed in close formation and completed several replenishments-at-sea together.
"It was pretty fun," said Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Aaron Roberts who participated in an exchange with Japanese counterpart from Ise. "It was pretty much just an all-around learning experience for both parties. This was a great building block."
During the bilateral exercise, Carl Vinson also operated jointly with the U.S. Marine Corps. Okinawa-based MV-22B Osprey aircraft from Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 262 completed carrier deck landing qualifications aboard Carl Vinson and helped transport personnel to and from shore.
Carl Vinson Strike Group is on a regularly scheduled deployment in the Western Pacific. It also includes Carrier Air Wing 2 and a complement of more than 70 aircraft, Destroyer Squadron 1 and guided-missile destroyer USS Michael Murphy (DDG 112).

March is American Red Cross Month
3/8/2018
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (NNS) -- Each year since World War II, every president has designated March as Red Cross Month, recognizing the help received by people across the country and around the world.
At Naval Hospital (NH) Jacksonville, American Red Cross volunteers contribute about 900 volunteer hours each month, and over 11,000 hours annually.
"Our American Red Cross volunteers are essential to our Navy and Marine Corps team, and they reflect the best of our nation's spirit," said Capt. David Collins, NH Jacksonville commanding officer. "They unselfishly dedicate a large amount of time to our patients and staff, and they do so with kindness and compassion."
The American Red Cross provides 24-hour support to members of the military, veterans, and families at home and around the world.

Nominations for Vice Admiral Robert F. Batchelder Awards extended
3/5/2018
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The nominations deadline for the Vice Adm. Robert F. Batchelder Awards announced in ALNAV 073/17 has been extended until Friday, March 30.
The Navy League of the United States sponsors the annual Sea Service Awards in recognition of outstanding individual achievements in leadership, maritime affairs, scientific progress, engineering excellence, logistics competence, excellence in intelligence, and service to community and country. The Navy League offers these awards to active and Reserve Sailors and Marines, and civilians.
Established in 1983, the Vice Adm. Robert F. Batchelder Awards, recognizes five officers in the Supply Corps who have made the most significant personal contributions to the supply readiness of the U.S. Navy's operating forces.
Formal award presentations are tentatively scheduled to be presented at the annual Navy League Convention on June 8, 2018, in Portland, Oregon.
Additional information regarding the awards and nomination process may be found on the Navy League website, www.navyleague.org, under programs/awards/sea services awards.

NEXCOM announces early rollout of Type III uniform to all Navy regions
by Courtney Williams, NEXCOM Public Affairs Officer
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (NNS) -- Retired Rear Adm. Robert J. Bianchi, chief executive officer, Navy Exchange Service Command (NEXCOM) announced the conclusion of the Navy Working Uniform (NWU) Type III uniform rollout.
This final rollout began Monday, Jan. 8, ahead of schedule in Navy Region Northwest, Mid-Atlantic, Japan, Korea and Naval District Washington. This concludes the rollout of the Type III uniform in all NEX stores throughout all Navy Regions.
"At NEXCOM we are proud to support our deserving Sailors and families," said Bianchi. "A key part of our mission is to provide the Navy's newest uniforms to our Sailors, and so we're excited to roll out the Type III uniform earlier than originally planned."
Tom Jacobsen, NEXCOM Tidewater District vice president explained that, "NEX associates in the region are eager to assist Sailors who have any questions on the manner of wear of the Type III uniforms." Jacobsen said, "Our NEX uniform associates are subject matter experts and have all the necessary guidance to help any Sailor with concerns regarding sizing or fit. We will continue to support our Sailors to ensure they look sharp in the new Type III uniform."
Mallory, a Navy Lt., purchased her new Type III uniform at NEX Norfolk Monday morning. She said, "NEX Norfolk was fully stocked and the NEX uniform associates were incredibly helpful and pulled a variety of sizes to ensure a correct fit."
"Throughout the region we are prepared, fully stocked and ready with the Type III uniform," said Jean Bergquist, NEXCOM Northwest District vice president. "We have the greatest job and that's to serve our Sailors, so we continue to stock our shelves and assist our customers with any and all uniform matters."
In accordance with NAVADMIN214/17, individual commanding officers will determine certain items for wear at their commands, such as the color/type of boot and ballcap. On Oct. 1, 2017, Recruit Training Command Great Lakes began issuing the Type III uniform with black boots to all new recruits and by Oct. 1, 2019, the Type III uniform will be a mandatory seabag item for all Navy Sailors.
Type III uniforms will be available for purchase online at MyNavyExchange.com by the end of January.
As the NEX rolls out the Type III within each region, the legacy NWU Type I "blue camouflage" uniforms will be removed from the NEX shelves to make room for the Type III NWUs. However, Sailors will still be able to purchase Type I components by calling the NEX Uniform Support Call Center at 877-810-9030 in the continental United States and 001-877-432-1736 overseas.




SoCal military news
Michael Murphy begins joint patrols in Oceanic region
3/26/2018
by Lt. j.g. Danielle Moser, Carl Vinson Strike Group Public Affairs
PACIFIC OCEAN (NNS) -- USS Michael Murphy (DDG 112) and the U.S. Coast Guard began joint maritime security patrols designed to reduce and eliminate illegal fishing in the Western Pacific, March 26.
The guided-missile destroyer and embarked Coast Guard personnel began a mission called the Oceania Maritime Security Initiative (OMSI), a U.S. Defense Department program aimed to suppress illicit activities on the high seas. The efforts are concentrated in the exclusive economic zones for the Pacific Island Nations of Oceania.
"This will be Michael Murphy's third OMSI patrol following previous events in 2014 and 2017," said Cmdr. Kevin Louis, commanding officer of Michael Murphy. "OMSI is critical to supporting maritime security and law enforcement in the Oceanic region and also serves to strengthen U.S. relationships and presence in the region."
Nine personnel from the Coast Guard and regional law enforcement officers from the Federated States of Micronesia and the Marshall Islands are operating from Michael Murphy during the mission.
"A lot of the countries we are helping out depend mainly on fishery as the main source of their gross domestic product," said Lt. j.g. John M. Dierker, the Coast Guard's liaison officer aboard Michael Murphy. "OMSI helps deter illegal fishing in the area and it shows the island nations of the Western Pacific that the United States cares about them and their natural resources."
Michael Murphy, based in Pearl Harbor, began its current deployment Jan. 15 as part of the Carl Vinson Strike Group. The ship has conducted passing exercises with the French frigate FNS Vendemiaire and port calls to the Philippines and Guam.
Michael Murphy was commissioned in 2012 and is named after former U.S. Navy SEAL Lt. Michael P. Murphy. Murphy was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions during Operation Red Wings in Afghanistan, June 28, 2005. He was the first person to be awarded the medal for actions in Afghanistan and was the first member of the U.S. Navy to receive the award since the Vietnam War.

Lake Champlain stops in Hawaii
3/23/2018
by MC1 Nathan Carpenter,
Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs
PEARL HARBOR (NNS) -- Guided-missile cruiser USS Lake Champlain (CG 57) arrived in Hawaii for a scheduled port visit, March 22.
The port visit will allow the crew to resupply, conduct maintenance and enjoy some time off the ship.
"The crew has done a fantastic job throughout our deployment to the western Pacific, while keeping Lake Champlain mission ready," said Capt. Jen Ellinger, commanding officer for Lake Champlain. "We are looking forward to our brief stop in Hawaii."
Lake Champlain began a regularly-scheduled deployment upon departing San Diego in January with the Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group.
The strike group completed a historic port visit to Vietnam, March 9, marking the first time an aircraft carrier strike group visited in more than 40 years.
Lake Champlain is a multi-mission capable platform operated by more than 350 crew members. The ship's missions include air warfare, undersea warfare, naval surface fire support, and surface warfare.
The cruiser is equipped with two 5-inch dual purpose guns, two MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopters, standard SM-2 surface to air missiles, and Tomahawk cruise missiles, providing an additional long range strike capability to the strike group.

Navy accepts delivery of future USS Manchester (LCS 14)
3/1/2018
From PEO Littoral Combat Ship public affairs
MOBILE, Ala. (NNS) -- The Navy accepted delivery of the future USS Manchester (LCS 14) during a ceremony in Mobile, Alabama, Feb. 28.
Delivery marks the official transfer of LCS 14 from the shipbuilder, an Austal USA-led team, to the Navy. It is the final milestone prior to commissioning, which is planned for May in Portsmouth, New Hampshire.
"Delivery marks a major milestone in the life of the future USS Manchester, as she is transferred to the Navy and her in-service counter begins," said Capt. Mike Taylor, LCS program manager. "Manchester is an exceptional ship which will take her crew around the globe as they sail to protect our country. I look forward to celebrating her upcoming commissioning in Portsmouth."
Manchester is the 12th littoral combat ship (LCS) to be delivered to the Navy and the seventh of the Independence variant to join the fleet. The Independence variant is noted for its unique trimaran hull, ability to operate at high speeds and its large flight deck size.
"The future USS Manchester is joining the fleet at a thrilling time in LCS history; LCSs are operationally proven and continue to be in high demand by combatant commanders around the globe," said Capt. Jordy Harrison, commander, LCS Squadron 1 (COMLCSRON-1). "We enthusiastically welcome the future USS Manchester to LCSRON-1 and I both admire and envy the work the crew has undertaken to make this important milestone in the ship's history possible."
COMLCSRON-1 supports the operational commanders with warships ready for tasking by manning, training, equipping and maintaining littoral combat ships on the west coast. Manchester will be homeported in San Diego with her fellow ships USS Freedom (LCS 1), USS Independence (LCS 2), USS Fort Worth (LCS 3), USS Coronado (LCS 4), USS Jackson (LCS 6), USS Montgomery (LCS 8), USS Gabrielle Giffords (LCS 10) and USS Omaha (LCS 12).
"To see the crew come together with Austal, Supervisor of Shipbuilding and the Program Office to celebrate this milestone is an awesome reminder of the team effort that is shipbuilding and warfighting," said Cmdr. Emily Bassett, Manchester's commanding officer. "LABOR VINCIT! Work Conquers! That's our ship's motto. The delivery gives the work of the ship over to her Sailors, and we are ready to conquer."
The LCS is a modular, reconfigurable ship designed to meet validated fleet requirements for surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare, and mine countermeasures missions in the littoral region. An interchangeable mission package is embarked on each LCS and provides the primary mission systems in one of these warfare areas. Using an open architecture design, modular weapons, sensor systems and a variety of manned and unmanned vehicles to gain, sustain, and exploit littoral maritime supremacy, LCS provides U.S. joint force access to critical theaters.
Program Executive Office Littoral Combat Ships is responsible for delivering and sustaining littoral mission capabilities to the fleet.

Navy accepts delivery of USNS Hershel "Woody" Williams
2/23/2018
SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- The Navy accepted delivery of its second Expeditionary Sea Base (ESB) ship, USNS Hershel "Woody" Williams (ESB 4), Feb. 22.
The delivery marks the official transfer of the ship from the shipbuilder to the Navy. ESB 4 will be owned and operated by Military Sealift Command.
"The delivery of this ship marks an enhancement in the Navy's forward presence and ability to execute a variety of expeditionary warfare missions," said Capt. Scot Searles, Strategic and Theater Sealift program manager, Program Executive Office (PEO) Ships. "Like the ship's namesake, USNS Hershel 'Woody' Williams will exemplify the Navy's commitment to service."
USNS Hershel "Woody" Williams is named for Medal of Honor recipient, Hershel Williams. During the battle of Iwo Jima, then- Cpl. Williams bravely went forward alone against enemy machine gun fire to open a lane for the infantry. Williams continues to serve his fellow men and women in uniform through his foundation, the Hershel Woody Williams Medal of Honor Foundation, established to honor families who have lost a loved one in service to their country.
ESBs are highly flexible, modular platforms that are optimized to support a variety of maritime based missions including Special Operations Force, Airborne Mine Counter Measures operations, humanitarian support and command and control of traditional military missions. The ESBs include a four spot flight deck, hangar, and a versatile mission deck; and are designed around four core capabilities: aviation facilities, berthing, equipment staging support, and command and control assets. The ESBs will operate as the component commanders require, providing the fleet with a critical access infrastructure that supports the flexible deployment of forces and supplies.
USNS Hershel "Woody" Williams was constructed by General Dynamics NASSCO shipyard in San Diego. NASSCO is also constructing the future USNS Miguel Keith (ESB 5).
As one of the Defense Department's largest acquisition organizations, PEO Ships is responsible for executing the development and procurement of all destroyers, amphibious ships, special mission and support ships, and boats and craft.

San Diego welcomes sub Annapolis

SAN DIEGO (Feb., 2018) The Los Angeles-class fast attack submarine USS Annapolis (SSN 760) arrives in her new homeport at Naval Base Point Loma. USS Annapolis is the fourth ship to be named for Annapolis, Md., site of the U.S. Naval Academy. She arrived after two years of extensive maintenance at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery, Maine and three months operating at sea. U.S. Navy photo by MC2 Derek Harkins.





United Through Reading®
Deploying? Service members invited to record stories for family at San Diego USO
United Through Reading® is a program helping ease the stress of separation for military families by having deploying or deployed service members read children’s books aloud via DVD for their family to watch at home. This powerful program is available to all military units. It provides service members a chance to make lasting connections from afar. The DVD recording and the book are mailed to the child and family back home.
Service members who are leaving for training can also take part in this program. Being a parent is not required; service members can send the DVD & book(s) to any special child in their life such as younger sister or brother, niece, nephew or godchild.
On the day of the recording, service members are encouraged to dress in the attire they will be wearing while deployed/training, but this is not required. The room is private, so any special message, or those fun reading voices, will only be heard by the recipient of the DVD recording. USO San Diego has books available, or service members can bring their own. Our volunteers will help set up the camera and then leave the room. The DVD can hold a 30 minute recording.
Please e-mail USO San Diego Staff Member Nichole Duarte at utr@usosandiego.org to make your appointment. This program is offered at both USO San Diego centers.